In the book Dark Matter, Jason Dessen is abducted and forced to navigate alternative realities of his life. Each time he approaches a door leading to a new reality, his emotional state influences what he encounters. When he’s consumed by fear or anger, on the other side of the door he finds distorted and devastating versions of his life — worlds ravaged by nuclear destruction or pandemic-level illness.
But as Jason begins to understand how his thoughts and emotions shape his experience, he discovers something important. When he focuses on empathy, compassion and love before opening a door, he finds a stable, beautiful version of reality on the other side.
In a similar way, the emotional posture we bring to our relationships, with family, friends and coworkers, influences our encounters and the tenor of our relationships over time.
The good news is empathy and listening aren’t fixed traits; they’re skills anyone can learn! October 24–25, Christy S. Edwards will be with us for a weekend of relational skill-building!
Christy’s a board certified chaplain who works in a pediatric level one trauma hospital in Kansas City, where she walks alongside families in the most difficult moments of life. Out of that experience, she teaches empathy and listening skills, helping people learn what to say, how to be present and how to truly show up for people in our lives, especially those who are suffering.
Colossians 3:12 says, “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” These aren’t just qualities to admire, but postures we’re invited to put on and practice in our everyday relationships!
Come learn how to bring greater empathy, compassion and presence into the relationships that matter most.
Carol McEntyre, Senior Minister